Scott Ray wrote:

>For example what is the breeding status for Merlin in southern BC and WA?
>Have Merlins ever bred in WA?

>From what I have heard, there are a lot of breeding Merlins in southern BC
(see Birds of BC for whatever has been published). The record for
Washington is mostly word of mouth, not published. I have heard that there
have been around 3 or 4 nests found in Washington. Try to find out the
exact details, and you get raptoround by a cloud of dissemblement. I've
been told about a few of them, and sworn to secrecy; don't ask, don't tell.
When I have been asked, I have answered "at least a few, but maybe a lot
more, for all I know."

"Taiga" Merlins (Falco c. columbarius) should breed in the high mountains
along the northern border of the state. Roger Lake looks like just the
sort of place. "Black" Merlins (Falco columbarius suckleyi) should breed
in the forests of the western WA lowlands. There's no doubt they are quite
rare as breeding birds, but they're also very quiet around the nest and
could be missed.

Dennis Paulson, Director phone: (206) 756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail: dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416